Career Marketing

When Your Boss is a Roadblock

Many employees find themselves working for managers whose styles, behaviours, or procedures may reduce productivity, create resentment or de-motivate workers.

Does you boss realise the problem?

Your boss may be unconscious of giving you more overtime, or the lion's share of the drudgery. Check your facts then ask tactfully if your boss is aware of the problem; don't complain. Your boss may give you the tough jobs because he or she values your ability to do them, but has not told you so.

Manipulative promises

Does your boss hint of a promotion or a rise if you reach certain targets, only to move the goal posts when you reach them? Next time, write a memo to confirm your understanding.

Differential treatment

Firstly try to point out unfair treatment, whether of yourself or of others, to your boss in a constructive manner. Explain how the unfair behaviour makes people feel, rather than going onto the attack.

Programming for failure

Are you given assignments that cannot be completed, or insufficient resources or guidance? Know your own work schedule; say immediately if you need more resources or time. If a project is in trouble, write down all the facts and estimate carefully the resources and time needed to save the project.

Inconsistency and inflexibility

Does you supervisor change your assignment in his or her mind without telling you? Double check later. Is he or she too rigid? List the benefits to you or users when asking for a change in orders.

Little or no feedback

Feedback, both positive and negative, is vital to your performance and morale, fostering an atmosphere of trust and co-operation. If your boss doe comment on performance, ask for his or her thoughts on your output; tell him or her that you value their experience. Give them feedback, particularly praise.

Turn the problem to your advantage - strengthen your people skills

The ability to get on with others, including a difficult boss, is very important to your career. Take a more active role if your boss is incompetent, but involve him or her. Learn to get some perspective - don't take it personally if you boss is insensitive. Learn to keep cool if your boss is volatile - you will look calmer and more level-headed by contrast. Learn from your boss's negative example.

If you must move on ...

The light at the end of the tunnel may make things easier. Focus the energy released on procuring your next position, rather than on why you are going or how good it will be to leave - you could be going from the frying pan into the fire. Continue to do a good job and forget about revenge. Leave with dignity and class.